Surgeon versus radiologist: an inter-rater reliability analysis of the CLOSE checklist for preoperative CT sinus assessment.

Purpose: To assess the inter-rater agreement of the Cribriform plate, Lamina papyracea, Onodi cell, Sphenoid sinus pneumatization, and Ethmoidal artery (CLOSE) checklist results among rhinology & skull-base surgeons and a head and neck-neuroradiology specialist for pre-operative computed tomography (CT) sinus assessment.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed 50 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in the period between January 2013 and March 2014 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada. According to the CLOSE checklist, the CT scans were evaluated independently by one surgeon and one radiologist using the InteleRadiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (IntelePACS).

Transforming pharmacy practice in Kuwait.

In the last few decades, pharmacy services have expanded to fulfil the need for more complex health needs from population worldwide. Moving from 'product-centred' to a 'patient-centred' profession, pharmacists are required to master more professional competencies to deliver high quality pharmaceutical services to their patients and community. In Kuwait pharmacy practice has long been identified as a sector yet to be developed.

Repurposed Antiviral Drugs for Covid-19 - Interim WHO Solidarity Trial Results.

Background: World Health Organization expert groups recommended mortality trials of four repurposed antiviral drugs - remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, and interferon beta-1a - in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Methods: We randomly assigned inpatients with Covid-19 equally between one of the trial drug regimens that was locally available and open control (up to five options, four active and the local standard of care). The intention-to-treat primary analyses examined in-hospital mortality in the four pairwise comparisons of each trial drug and its control (drug available but patient assigned to the same care without that drug).

Measuring Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetic Patients at the Al-Wazarat Healthcare Center in Riyadh.

Background The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Saudi population is increasing at an alarming level. Diabetes is characterized by a considerable health and economic burden on the population and affected individuals. Objectives This study aims to assess the level of quality of life in type 2 diabetic patients and to investigate the determinant of quality of life in a primary health care setting.

Nasolacrimal Duct Management During Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery.

Objective: To evaluate rates of epiphora after transection and marsupialization of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) during endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.

Introduction: The nasolacrimal canal forms part of the medial wall of the maxillary sinus. Transecting the NLD is sometimes necessary for tumor resection or surgical access to maxillary sinus and infratemporal fossa pathology.

Preoperative TSH and thyroglobulin levels: would it predict thyroid cancer?

Objective: The goal of this study is to determine whether preoperative TSH and Tg levels can be used as predictors of thyroid cancer.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: Charts of patients who had undergone thyroid surgery between 2006 and 2012 were subjected to review.